Table of contents
1. Check for the latest Palworld server version2. Back up your server before updating3. Stop the server process4. Update using SteamCMD (for local or VPS hosting)5. Update using your hosting provider’s control panel6. Restart your server and confirm the update7. Update mods and plugins after a game patchOptional: Automate updates with scheduled tasks or scriptsNext stepsAdditional resources
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Dedicated Server → Palworld → Update

How to update a Palworld dedicated server

Running an outdated Palworld server can lead to connection issues, bugs, or players getting locked out after a patch. Whether you’re hosting it yourself or using a game server provider, here’s how to safely back up, update, and verify your Palworld server to keep things running smoothly.

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1. Check for the latest Palworld server version

Before updating anything, confirm that a new version is actually available. Updates often arrive unannounced, so it’s worth checking a few trusted sources:

  • SteamDB for Palworld shows version history and update timestamps
  • Palworld Steam News posts official patch notes
  • The Palworld X account occasionally announces updates
  • Compare your server’s version with the latest client version (displayed in the Palworld main menu)

If your server’s version lags behind the current patch, it’s time to update.

2. Back up your server before updating

Updates can introduce bugs—or worse, break your world. Always back up before making changes.

  • Copy the entire Pal/Saved/ directory, especially:
    • Saved/SaveGames/ (world data)
    • Config/ (custom server settings)
  • Zip the full server folder if you’re self-hosting locally
  • Use your host’s control panel to create or download a backup if you’re using a managed provider

Having a restorable backup means you can quickly revert if anything goes wrong post-update.

3. Stop the server process

Never update while the server is running—it can corrupt game files or cause save data issues.

  • Self-hosted: close the server terminal or end the process
  • Hosted: use your provider’s control panel to stop the instance

Make sure no one is connected and the process is completely shut down before moving forward.

4. Update using SteamCMD (for local or VPS hosting)

If you’re running your own Palworld dedicated server, update it using SteamCMD:

  • Launch steamcmd on your server
  • Run the following commands:
login anonymous
force_install_dir PATH_TO_SERVER
app_update 2394010 validate
quit
  • Replace PATH_TO_SERVER with the full path to your server install directory.
  • SteamCMD will pull down the latest version and verify all files

If you’re using a panel like Pterodactyl, make sure the update is triggered from the appropriate script or button if one is available.

5. Update using your hosting provider’s control panel

Some hosting providers include one-click update functionality:

  • Log into your host’s control panel
  • Look for an Update, Reinstall, or Validate Files option in the server settings
  • Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete
  • Some providers require a restart for changes to take effect

If your provider doesn’t have an auto-update button, you may need to manually reinstall the server files or contact support.

6. Restart your server and confirm the update

Once the update completes:

  • Start the server again using your terminal or host dashboard.
  • Check the server console or logs to confirm it’s using the new version.
  • If the game has a /version command or shows the version on login, use that to verify.

It’s also a good idea to have a test player join and ensure the world loads correctly, mods (if any) are intact, and performance is normal.

7. Update mods and plugins after a game patch

If your server uses mods, a game update might break them, especially if the update changes core game systems.

  • Check each mod’s download page (CurseForge, GitHub, etc.) for compatibility updates.
  • Replace outdated mod files with newer versions if available.
  • If you’re using a mod loader like UE4SS or PalworldModManager, update it before restarting the server.
  • Test mods on a local copy before deploying them to your live server if possible.

Out-of-date mods can crash your server or prevent it from starting, so treat them with care after every patch.

Optional: Automate updates with scheduled tasks or scripts

If you’re running a Palworld server on Linux or Windows, you can set up automatic updates using SteamCMD and scheduled tasks:

Linux (cron job + shell script):

  • 1. Create a script:

    #!/bin/bash

    /path/to/steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/palworld/server +app_update 2394010 validate +quit
  • 2. Add a cron job:

    0 4 * * * /home/palworld/update.sh
    This runs the update every day at 4 AM.

Windows (Task Scheduler + batch script):

  1. Save a .bat file with:

    steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir “C:\PalworldServer” +app_update 2394010 validate +quit
  2. Use Task Scheduler to run it daily or weekly.

    Just remember: backups should be part of your automation routine if you’re going to auto-update.

Additional resources

What is a game server? →

A complete beginner’s guide, including different types, how they work, benefits, and more

Palworld dedicated server benefits →

Learn the pros and cons of using a dedi server for your Palworld game

How to set up a Palworld dedicated server →

Server requirements, setup, tips, server management, and more